On the 12th day of December, the Packers' No. 12 got the clearance he needed to help the team make one final push for the playoffs.

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McCarthy: Rodgers is 'preparing to play' (0:30)

Rob Demovsky ESPN Staff Writer

Packers coach Mike McCarthy on Rodgers' return at the earliest possible date: "I think it speaks to Aaron and what he's done through the rehab phase. HE was able to clear each hurdle earlier than the norm. His rehab process was very fluid, very clean."

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Rob Demovsky ESPN Staff Writer

The next step for Aaron Rodgers: "Preparing to play this week," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "He's been preparing himself for this moment, and it's kind of a normal Wednesday for us this time of the year."

Packers reporter Jason Wilde discusses the return of Aaron Rodgers and the decision-making process that went into his clearance with Bryan Dee and Dan Needles.

Rob Demovsky ESPN Staff Writer

Aaron Rodgers technically can't be added to the 53-man roster until Friday -- eight weeks after he was placed on IR. That won't impact his preparation for Sunday's game at Carolina, however. He's been practicing for more than a week.